Bandits to open new stadium June 9
The Chicago Bandits will open the 2011 National Pro Fastpitch season in their new Rosemont Stadium on June 9 against the USSSA Florida Pride and its star-studded lineup.
The opening weekend's four-game series will feature a rematch of the 2010 NPF Championship Series in which the Pride defeated the Bandits to win the NPF World Championship last summer.
The NPF received a boost this week when softball stars Cat Osterman, Monica Abbott, Jessica Mendoza, Lauren Lappin and several other Team USA members announced they would be leaving the national team program in 2011 to focus on supporting and playing for NPF teams. Osterman, Mendoza and Lappin are members of the Pride.
“I'm excited to play the Pride because of the talent they have on the roster,” said Bandits catcher Rachel Folden. “Every game in the NPF is a challenge, but with such a loaded lineup they force you to play at your best every game. They were the best team at the end last year, and we're out to prove we're the best team this season.”
The four-team NPF includes the Akron Racers, NPF Diamonds, USSSA Florida Pride and the Bandits. Each team in the League will play a 40-game regular season schedule with all teams playing 5 home and 5 away series.
The June 9 opener will mark the first regular-season game in the new Rosemont Stadium, which is under construction.
Bandits 2011 home schedule
Saturday, June 4: Bandits vs. Bloomington Lady Hearts (exhibition game featuring classic uniforms)
Thursday, June 9: vs. USSSA Pride
Friday, June 10: vs. USSSA Pride
Saturday, June 11: vs. USSSA Pride
Sunday, June 12 : vs. USSSA Pride
Tuesday, June 21: Chicago High School All-Star Game
Thursday, June 30: vs. Tennessee Diamonds
Friday, July 1: vs. Tennessee Diamonds
Saturday, July 2: vs. Tennessee Diamonds
Sunday, July 3: vs. Tennessee Diamonds
Tuesday, July 5: Bandits vs. King and His Court (tentative)
Thursday, July 7: vs. Akron Racers
Friday, July 8: vs. Akron Racers
Saturday, July 9: vs. Akron Racers
Sunday, July 10: vs. Akron Racers
Thursday, Aug. 4: vs. Akron Racers
Friday, Aug. 5: vs. Akron Racers
Saturday, Aug. 6: vs. Akron Racers
Sunday, Aug. 7: vs. Akron Racers
Thursday, Aug. 11: vs. USSSA Pride
Friday, Aug. 12: vs. USSSA Pride
Saturday, Aug. 13: vs. USSSA Pride
Sunday, Aug. 14: vs. USSSA Pride
Tickets: Single-game tickets for the 2011 season are on sale at (877) 722-6348. Ticket prices start at $8 for Outfield seats, $10.50 for Box Seats and $11.50 for Club Seats. A complete home and away schedule is available at chicagobandits.com.